Museums, archives and heritage in Cheshire

Cheshire, or Chester, county palatine and maritime county of England, bounded on the NW. by the Irish Sea, and bordering on the counties of Lancaster, York, Derby, Stafford, Salop, Denbigh, and Flint; extreme length, NE and SW., 58 miles; extreme breadth, 40 miles; average breadth, 18 miles; area, 657,123 acres; population 644,037. Cheshire forms, towards the Irish Sea, a flat peninsula, the Wirrall (12 miles by 7 miles), between the estuaries of the Mersey and the Dee, and inland a vast plain separating the mountains of Wales from those of Derbyshire. This plain is diversified with fine woods of oak, &c., and is studded with numerous small lakes or meres. A low ridge of sandstone hills runs N. from Congleton, near the E. border, and another extends from the neighbourhood of Malpas to Frodsham, near the estuary of the Mersey. The chief rivers are the Mersey with its affluent the Bollin, the Weaver, and the Dee. The soil consists of marl, mixed with clay and sand, and is generally fertile. There are numerous excellent dairy farms, on which the celebrated Cheshire cheese is made; also extensive market gardens, the produce of which is sent to Liverpool, Manchester, and the neighbouring towns. Salt has been long worked; it. is obtained from rock salt and saline springs; the principal works are at Nantwich, Northwich, and Winsford. Coal and ironstone are worked in the districts of Macclesfield and Stockport. There are mfrs. of cotton, silk, and ribbons, carried on chiefly in the towns of the E. division; and shipbuilding, on the Mersey. Cheshire contains 7 hundreds, 503 parishes and a part, the parliamentary and municipal borough of Birkenhead (1 member), the greater part of the parliamentary and municipal boroughs of Chester (1 member), Stalybridge (1 member), and Stockport (2 members), and the municipal boroughs of Congleton, Crewe, Hyde, and Macclesfield. It is mostly in the diocese of Chester.

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Note: some of the former county of Cheshire has been in Merseyside since 1974.

Anderton Boat Lift

Lift Lane, Anderton

Northwich CW9 6FW

01606 786777

www.andertonboatlift.co.uk

The Anderton Boat Lift is an incredible edifice, perched on the banks of the River Weaver like some giant three-storey-high iron spider. It was built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats the 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Like all great things, the concept is simple: two huge water tanks, each with watertight sealable doors carry boats up and down. The original counter-balanced system was replaced in 1908 by electric operation, but the lift now works hydraulically again. The Operations Centre offers interactive displays and educational facilities.

Anson Engine Museum

Anson Road

Poynton SK12 1TD

01625 874426

www.enginemuseum.org

The main building houses a large collection of engines, maintained in running order ranging from early Crossley gas engines through to more modern diesels. Other buildings house specialist collections such as Gardner engines, Atmospheric engines, etc.

Beeston Castle & Woodland Park – English Heritage

Beeston Castle

Tarporley CW6 9TX

01829 260464

goo.gl/SVjftp

Climb to the top of the formidable Castle of the Rock with incredible views over eight counties, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. Excavations indicate that a Bronze Age settlement and Iron Age hill fort occupied the site long before Beeston Castle was begun in 1225.

Catalyst – Science Discovery Centre

Gossage Building, Mersey Road

Widnes WA8 0DF

0151 4201121

www.catalyst.org.uk

Catalyst is an interactive science centre and museum devoted to chemistry and how the products of chemistry are used in everyday life. Our key aim is to make science exciting and accessible to people of all ages and to inform them about science based industries and their role in our lives, past present and future.

Collections: The collection consists of nearly 7,050 individually numbered items and groups including objects, archive material and photographs. The objects range from test tubes to a 20 ton cast iron caustic soda finishing vessel and the archives include company documents of all kinds, product brochures and general ephemera.

Cheshire Archives & Local Studies Service

Cheshire Record Office, Duke Street

Chester CH1 1RL

01244 977195

archives.cheshire.gov.uk

The Service collects and preserves historical records relating to both the ancient and modern county of Cheshire, the diocese and the city of Chester. It makes the records available for study free of charge by members of the public.

Cheshire Military Museum

The Castle

Chester CH1 2DN

01244 403933

www.cheshiremilitarymuseum.co.uk

In this museum we remember The Cheshire Regiment, The Cheshire Yeomanry, The 3rd Carabiniers, The 5th Royal Iniskilling Dragoon Guards, the Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School and several other small Cheshire units – some now long retired (often from bigger corps of the Army). We also remember the important role of the women of the regiments and the lives of those who were left behind when the men left home to fight.

Chester Cathedral

12 Abbey Square

Chester CH1 2HU

01244 324756

www.chestercathedral.com

Chester Cathedral’s history spans almost two thousand years. According to legend, a prehistoric Druid temple existed on this site, succeeded by a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo.

Chester History & Heritage

St Michael’s Church, Bridge Street Row

Chester CH1 1NW

01244 972210

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/visiting

Chester History & Heritage is a local & family history resource centre sited in the heart of Chester. We offer free internet access via the popular People’s Network and operate a family history advice service provided by research group experts – again – free to all customers.

Chester Roman Amphitheatre

Vicars Lane, Newgate

Chester CH1 1QX.

www.chester.gov.uk/amphitheatre/index.html

The largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, partially excavated. It was used for entertainment and military training by the 20th Legion, based at the fortress of Deva.

Congleton Museum

Market Square

Congleton CW12 1BT

01260 276360

www.congletonmuseum.co.uk

Displays featuring four main areas of the town’s history: prehistoric times, including a log boat found at Astbury; the English Civil War, featuring John Bradshaw, who signed the death warrant of Charles I; the heyday of the textile industry; the Second World War.

Dewa Roman Experience

Pierpoint Lane, Off Bridge Street

Chester CH1 1NL

01244 343407

www.dewaromanexperience.co.uk

The actual Dewa Roman fortress is now buried under modern day Chester, but it lives on through the Dewa Roman Experience. Most museums have exhibits that are available to the visitor, but here we have an approach that is completely different. On entering, you go into the Roman Galley where there are exhibits of Roman Chester, many of which are ‘hands on’ type, where you can handle items such as pottery, try on a suit of Roman armour, fire the catapult and design mosaics.

Dunham Massey – National Trust

Dunham Massey

Altrincham WA14 4SJ

0161 941 1025

goo.gl/jPaSQH

Until November 2015 Dunham Massey Hall is open as the Stamford Military hospital. During the First World War, this Georgian house, set in a magnificent deer-park, was transformed into a military hospital, becoming a sanctuary from the trenches for 282 soldiers.

Englesea Brook Chapel & Museum

Museum of Primitive Methodism, Englesea Brook

Crewe CW2 5QW

01270 820836

www.engleseabrook-museum.org.uk

A museum telling the story of a predominantly working-class religious denomination (Primitive Methodism) in a manner that raises questions about faith and identity in the contemporary world. Much of the museum is housed in a chapel dating to 1829.

Family History Society of Cheshire

Little Trees, Gawsworth Road, Gawsworth

Macclesfield SK11 9RA

01625 426173

www.fhsc.org.uk

The Family History Society of Cheshire (FHSC) was founded in 1969 to advance the study of family history and genealogy, and we now have around 3000 members worldwide. As well as helping people with ancestors in Cheshire, we also assist members living locally whose ancestors originated elsewhere.

Football & the First World War

3 Standingwood Road Ellesmere Port

Ellesmere Port CH65 3AG

www.footballandthefirstworldwar.com

The Football and the First World War Centenary Project is working in partnership with the National Football Museum and the Institute of Education’s Legacy 110 programme to create a comprehensive and detailed record of association football during the Great War.

Grosvenor Museum

27 Grosvenor Street

Chester CH1 2DD

01244 972197

westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

The Grosvenor Museum was founded in 1885 and its origins are linked to the Chester Society of Natural Science Literature & Art founded by Charles Kingsley in 1871, and to Chester Archaeological Society. The museum holds an internationally important collection of Roman Stones, found in the City walls in the 19th century.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

c/o P.O. Box 127

Nantwich CW5 8AQ

01270 629219

www.hackgreen.co.uk

Discover the secret world of nuclear government For over 50 years this vast underground complex, remained secret, hidden on the outskirts of a sleepy Cheshire town. Declassified in 1993, the 35,000 sq ft underground bunker would have been the centre of Regional Government had nuclear war broken out. Built in the 1950s as part of a vast secret radar network codenamed ‘ROTOR’.

King Charles Tower

City Walls

Chester CH1 2DD

01244 402008

www.chestertourist.com/charles.htm

Standing on the North-East corner of the city walls over looking the canal, is the tower called ‘King Charles’s Tower’. Called so because legend (incorrectly) has it on the 24th of September 1645. King Charles stood on the tower and watched his army defeated in the battle of Rowton Moor.

Knutsford Heritage Centre

90a King Street

Knutsford WA16 6ED

01565 650 506

www.knutsfordheritage.com

Knutsford Heritage Centre is housed in a reconstucted 17th timber-framed building which was originally the town’s blacksmiths. It is set amongst secluded courtyard gardens behind the bustling streets of Knutsford. The centre is most famously home to the Knutsford Millennium Tapestry, a 40ft masterpiece which was created by over 3,000 members of the local community to celebrate Knutsford in the Millennium Year. The centre also houses a temporary exhibitions gallery with a range of displays throughout the year, a permanent display on the story of Knutsford and a well-stocked gift shop.

Lion Salt Works

Ollershaw Lane, Marston

Northwich CW9 6ES

01606 41823

westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

In 1986 the Lion Salt Works closed after the collapse of the West African salt market. It was purchased by Vale Royal Borough Council to prevent its demolition. Salt-making in Cheshire dates back over 2,000 years, when the salt towns of Cheshire were first established by the Romans.

Little Moreton Hall – National Trust

Congleton CW12 4SD

01260 272018

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Moated manor house – the icon of English Tudor domestic architecture. This is Britain’s most famous and arguably finest timber-framed manor house.

Liverpool Scottish Regimental Museum

c/o Major IL Riley TD FSA Scot, The Shambles, 51a Common Lane, Culcheth

Warrington WA3 4EY

01925 766157

www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk

A permanent physical museum to hold the collection of objects and archival material is longer feasible. However modern technology does allow the Trust to fulfill its remit in other ways.To this end a series of programmes and projects to digitize the collection before disposal and preserve the archive are underway.

Collections: The museum collection includes the uniforms and other military artefacts covering 100 years of the history of a kilted Scottish volunteer infantry regiment established in Liverpool.The collection of photographs and other documentary information is extensive.

Lyme Park, House & Garden – National Trust

Lyme Park, Disley

Stockport SK12 2NX

01663 762023

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Great estate with lavishly decorated house and fine gardens. Originally a Tudor house, Lyme was transformed by the Venetian architect Leoni into an Italianate palace.

Museum of the South Lancashire Regiment

Peninsula Barracks

Warrington WA2 7BR

01925 33563

goo.gl/268hRi

The South Lancashire Regiment was formed in 1881 as a result of the Cardwell reforms of the British Army. With its Regimental Depot at Peninsula Barracks, Warrington, the regiment initially consisted of two battalions, with the 1st formed from the former 40th Regiment of Foot, and the 2nd from the former 82nd (Prince of Wales’s Volunteers). The regiment recruited primarily from that area of South Lancashire which is centred on the townships of Warrington and St Helens. During World War I the regiment expanded to a total strength of 21 battalions. They served on the Western Front, at Gallipoli, and in Macedonia, Egypt, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and India.

Nantwich Museum

Pillory Street

Nantwich CW5 5BQ

01270 627104

www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

The fascinating history of one of Cheshire’s most attractive and historic towns is brought to life by Nantwich Museum. Located in Pillory Street, at the heart of the town, the museum has main galleries telling the story of Nantwich through the ages – Roman salt making, Tudor Nantwich’s Great Fire, the Civil War Battle of Nantwich (1644) and the more recent shoe and clothing industries.

Nether Alderley Mill – National Trust

Congleton Road, Nether Alderley

Macclesfield SK10 4TW

01625 527468

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nether-alderley-mill

15th-century mill beside a tranquil mill pool: * Original Victorian water wheel is a unique tandem design * Mammoth 200 ton stone roof supported by a fine timber frame * Restored to full working order, with regular flour-grinding demonstrations.

North Cheshire Family History Society

9 Kitts Moss Lane, Bramhall

Stockport SK7 2BG

0161 439 2635

www.ncfhs.org.uk

The aim of the society, which was founded in 1976, is to bring together those who are interested in the study of their family history, to give lectures about the availability of records and how to use them; to hold discussion meetings at which more experienced members can help beginners; to further genealogy and co-ordinate research and the transcription of records. We cover all areas in and around Stockport, Hazel Grove, Bramhall, Hyde, Stalybridge, Mottram in Longdendale, Sale, Wilmslow, Altrincham, Knutsford and Macclesfield.

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

The Norton Priory Museum Trust, Tudor Road, Manor Park

Runcorn WA7 1SX

01928 569895

www.nortonpriory.org

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is an award winning museum, excavated medieval ruins, the spectacular St Christopher statue, the lovely Walled Garden and the extensive woodland and sculpture trail.

Paradise Mill

Park Lane

Macclesfield SK11 6TJ

01625 618288

www.silk-macclesfield.org

Paradise Mill, situated a short distance from the Silk Museum, was a working silk mill until 1981. Today, Paradise Mill is a living museum.

Quarry Bank Mill & Styal Estate – National Trust

Styal

Nr Wilmslow SK9 4LA

01625 527468

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Quarry Bank Mill is a first generation water powered cotton mill built in 1784: see the waterwheel, steam engines and cotton machinery working daily. Guided tours of the Apprentice House show what life was like for the pauper children who worked in the Mill.

Collections: Greg business and family papers dating from 1784 to 1959, Quarry Bank Mill archive, general social history and cotton industry collection.

Silk Museum

Heritage Centre

Macclesfield SK11 6UT

01625 613210

www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

The Silk Museum within the Heritage Centre follows the story of silk from its origins in China, along the silk route to Britain and its establishment in Macclesfield. An award winning audio-visual presentation tells of the development of the industry in the town from the perspective of various people involved in the silk industry. The story of silk comes to an end as we consider how silk is used in fashion. Costume, textiles and accessories from both the 19th and 20th century help to show how silk is used for some of the most important occasions in both the social calendar and family life.

Stretton Watermill

Mill Lane, Stretton

Nr Farndon SY14 7HS

01606 271640

www.strettonwatermill.org.uk

A small working water mill set in beautiful countryside only ten miles from Chester. Visitors see the two waterwheels driving the ancient wooden mill machinery and turning the millstones.

Tatton Park – National Trust

Tatton Park

Knutsford WA16 6SG

01625 374400

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tatton-park

Magnificent estate with mansion, grand garden, deer park, farm and Tudor old hall. * Neo-Classical mansion, home to a grand array of antiques and furniture * Fine Victorian arboretum, including a fernery, orangery and Japanese garden.

Trafford Local Studies Centre

Sale Library, Sale Waterside

Sale M33 7ZF

0161 912 3013

goo.gl/fNVul7

The Local Studies Centre collects and preserves material relating to the towns and rural areas which now make up the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. In addition to general local history material, the library also houses a great deal of information which is of interest to anyone researching his or her own family tree.

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

Museum Street

Warrington WA1 1JB

01925 442733

www.warringtonmuseum.co.uk

One of the oldest municipal museums in the country, Warrington Museum & Art Gallery recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. Much of the quintessential character of the building has been preserved and its original glass cabinets are crammed with treasures from all around the world.

Water Tower

City Walls

Chester CH1 2DD

01244 402008

www.chester.gov.uk/main.asp?page=924

The Water Tower stands at the north-west corner of the medieval walled city of Chester, and is now one of the best-preserved features of its defences.

Waterways Archive (CRT), The

Canal and River Trust, National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road

Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW

0151 373 4378

goo.gl/0HCZST

Archive Collection for British Waterways (now Canal & River Trust) and private collections initiated by The Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port;The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne and National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Covers mainly early 1700s to late 1900s. Also specialist Canal interest library.

Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse

162 London Road

Northwich CW9 8AB

01606 271640

www.fowhm.org.uk

The Salt Museum works to conserve and promote the history of the Cheshire salt industry and the communities of the Cheshire salt towns. Roughly 200 million years ago, in the Triassic era vast, salt deposits were laid down under what is now the county of Cheshire in England.

Collections: Through original artefacts, models, re-constructions, old photographs, paintings and interactive exhibits Weaver Hall Museum, housed in the old Northwich Workhouse, tells the story of the mid Cheshire area. Students and local history researchers are welcome to make use of a range of resource material by appointment.

West Park Museum

West Park, Prestbury Road

Macclesfield SK10 3BJ

01625 613210

goo.gl/3jGc9t

Founded in 1898 by the Brocklehurst family. A small, but significant collection of Egyptian antiquities and a range of fine and decorative arts and objects. West Park Museum’s Collections comprise a wide range of fine and decorative art material and objects relating to local history.